What Causes Hard Lumps Above Knee Around The Area Of Liposuction Incision?

Posted on Sat, 22 Nov 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 22 Nov 2014 Answered on

Wed, 17 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I had liposuction of the knees, now it been almost a year later, I am left with 2 bulging hard lumps right above the knee right around the area of the incision. I went back to my ps pointed it out, he said he wants to wait before he does anything. He didn't seem to come out and say exactly what those are protruding right above me knees. I feel worse now that before the surgery. I want to know what those are and how do I treat them?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
photograph required

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query.
I understand your concern.
Probably you have developed a cyst.
Can you please upload a photograph of the involved area.
Its very important for me to see the area in order to give a proper guidance.
There is an option to upload photos on right side of query page. Please utilize that. You can also email reports to YYYY@YYYY with subject as attn Dr XXXXXXX Kumar.
Waiting for your response.
Thank you .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (1 hour later)

I just emailed you a photo of my knees. The hard protruding lumps are on the top of the knee closer to the inner side, but located on top not inner knee.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
calcified fat

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the photograph.
I can see bulge behind both the knee joints.
There are two possibilities.
1. It can be a calcified collection of fat.
2. It can be swelling of the bursa around knee joint.
Please get an x ray done.
This will make things much clear.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (6 hours later)

How is that treated if any of both things?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
surgery required

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the follow up.
In both situation surgery would be required, but the extent of surgery will vary according to the type of lesion.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar